Fanatically prepares for the impact of Trump returning to power
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ex-interpreter, Sunao Takao (center) / Reuters Yonhap News file photo
Japan is reportedly preparing for the possibility of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to power.
According to Reuters on the 26th (local time), the Japanese government is considering dispatching Sunao Takao, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ex-interpreter who has previously interpreted between Trump and Abe, to the Japanese Embassy in the United States.
The intent is to actively utilize individuals with connections to Trump in diplomacy in preparation for a potential Trump victory in the upcoming November presidential election.
The specific dispatch timing and job details have not yet been disclosed.
Takao is currently working at the Japanese Embassy in China, where he is reportedly nearing the end of his term.
Takao served as Abe’s interpreter during summits between former President Trump and former Prime Minister Abe from 2016 to 2020.
Having grown up in the United States, he reportedly went to great lengths to ensure smooth interpretation, including studying Trump’s golfing habits by watching his videos before summits.
Takao received high praise for contributing to the smooth exchange between former Prime Minister Abe and former President Trump.
Reuters assessed that Japan’s thorough preparation for the impact of the U.S. presidential election on its country has been revealed.
Japan has previously expressed concern over potential issues such as strengthening protectionist trade policies and increasing defense burden sharing for maintaining U.S. troops in Japan in case Trump comes into power.
Joshua Walker, the President and CEO of the non-profit organization Japan Society, which promotes US-Japan relations, analyzed that Japanese officials’ efforts to involve individuals known to be close to Trump have reached “fanatical levels.”
About this report, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they are “watching with great interest” the U.S. presidential election but declined to comment on specific individuals.
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